Client Spotlight – Meet Judy


“I thought I could make it at first, but I realized I really can’t”

Judy is like thousands of Chicagoans who are struggling, surviving on only $66 in SNAP benefits every month. With 1 in 5 households facing food insecurity it’s no surprise it’s difficult to make ends meet. The differences? She’s 75, can’t work and only has her motorized scooter for transportation.

Judy is just one of the 100+ seniors who receives home delivered groceries from Common Pantry each month, while many others are on a waitlist for the vital service. 

She discovered Common Pantry in 2019 when she saw our volunteers delivering groceries to neighbors. At the time, she thought she could continue as she had been: stretching her SNAP benefits, shopping the sales, eating cheaper options.

Judy had gone through some hard times throughout her life and knew how to get by. She raised her kids as a single mother, did whatever she could to earn a little extra money and knew the tricks to make food last. 

Throughout the years, Judy had heard of food pantries but having had one dehumanizing experience and not being able to physically wait in line, she didn’t want to ask for help unless she really needed to.

Then, as she got older and it became more difficult to get around, she realized that moment had arrived. Her friend who would drive her to grocery stores had passed away, her kids were struggling on their own, food prices were growing and she had limited access to stores. With no other options, she decided to reach out to Common Pantry staff for help.

Since she joined home delivery, the groceries Judy receives each month have changed her life immensely. She has variety in her diet, now having reliable access to fresh produce, eggs and meat and not being forced to only eat canned vegetables or boxed mac and cheese. She can splurge to buy cereal every so often because she knows she’ll get milk. She is able to plan ahead for meals and enjoy her food.

She no longer has to carry the mental burden of not knowing what she is going to eat or how she’s going to afford food. Instead she can focus on spending time with her kids and grandchildren and taking care of her pet parrot, Charlie.

Beyond receiving food and relieving stress, what Judy values the most from our home delivery program are the special touches that make her feel cared for. From the cards and crafts she receives from Common Kids to the smiling faces of our volunteers going above and beyond, Judy can tell that everything comes from the heart.

“It’s such a good feeling to have that to look forward to, not just for the food but being treated so well, being treated like you’re somebody. It really makes the difference in how you think of yourself”

Hunger and food insecurity have been on the rise in Chicago. For months, we have had long lines. We see new faces daily and an ever growing waitlist to join home delivery. As we settled in our new home, we increased our programming to offer another grocery distribution to meet the demand, but we need your support. Since the start of 2024, Common Pantry has increased emergency groceries by 55% – serving over 1,000 families a month- with no end in sight.

Click here to give today to help our neighbors like Judy, who beyond receiving food, had her hope restored.